Manufacturing grows again, but recovery fragile

The U.S. manufacturing sector grew in November for the fourth month in a row, Reuters points out today. However, the growth has slowed down slightly from October:

The Institute for Supply Management said on Tuesday its index of national factory activity decelerated to 53.6 in November from 55.7 in October. The median forecast of 70 economists surveyed by Reuters was for a reading of 55.0 in November. Readings above 50 indicate expansion in the manufacturing sector, while numbers below 50 show contraction.

Still, most factors are moving in the direction of economic recovery.